Brief historical overview of Henri IV Quay

Henri IV Quay is an iconic part of Dieppe, the kind of place that livens up any stroll just by its string of colourful facades overlooking the marina. However, if you’re going to remember this charming image of the Norman town, you might as well get to know its history, which is definitely not as sweet. Have you ever heard of the bombing of Dieppe, also known as the ‘Grande Bombarderie’? In the midst of the Nine Years’ War between Louis XIV’s France and all the European princes, an Anglo-Dutch fleet set about bombing the Channel ports. Dieppe was obviously one of them. On 22 and 23 July 1694, around 1,100 projectiles were fired at the port town. By projectiles, we mean bombs or shells which, unlike cannons, were filled with incendiary substances. Two thirds of Dieppe’s houses, mostly timber-framed at the time, suffered greatly as a result of this unstoppable weapon. Those that were not destroyed by the shock of the bombing eventually disappeared in the flames. Dieppe became unrecognisable and was slowly rebuilt according to the plans of the King’s architect, Antoine De Ventabren. The new town, which was virtually completed around 1720, was built in a classical architectural style, with straight streets leading down to the quays and housesmade out of white or red bricks and neatly aligned facades. If you take a closer look at the Quai Henri IV, you will still be able to see traces of this old architectural rigour. At number 49, for example, you will find the Anvers Mansion, which was classified as a historic monument in 1991. Presumably the property of a former wealthy merchant, the building has a symmetrical façade with a triangular pediment and pilasters, as is customary in classical architecture. Before taking a closer look, don’t miss the Oratoriens mansion, at number 31, next to you. It was built on the site of the former home of the famous local shipowner Jean Ango, and was often used for educational purposes during its lifetime. Nowadays, it is still used as a nursery school. The rich and eventful history of Dieppe is reflected in its many diverse aspects, depending on the angle you approach it from.